Okay, so I am still a newbie at this blogging stuff, but heck I’m havin fun and if both of you keep reading, I’ll keep writing. : )
I have to admit I just LOST this entire post due to operator error, and am re-crafting this blog with less zeal this time around. Dang it! Anyone relate here?
On my July 17th post I said I would commit to posting to my blog each Thursday. Now here is a new commitment. Each Tuesday, until I come up with a better idea, I will post one of my favorite quotes and share my opinion/insights on the quote, how it relates to my life, Solution Tree and MRL, life in ‘education’, you and me, etc.
I just finished dinner at the Boston Copley Marriott Concierge’s Lounge, eating free food (not), drinking an expensive glass of wine (not worth the price), and reading the latest edition of FORBES Magazine. This is a quote that struck me as a bit different, but it also is what gave me the ‘Share a Quote’ idea.
So here we go.
The definition of a pioneer is a guy with his face in the mud and an arrow in his back. If we haven’t thought (of) it, and it’s working, then we’ll copy it and try to make it even better. There’s no shame in it.”
Bill Marriott
I personally buy into the CASE theory (Copy And Steal Everything) as long as it is not plagiarism or just plain wrong. But, we all need to be our own judges here, and listening to our conscience.
P.s. I did write this Tuesday, but another operator error caused it not to go out until Wednesday….dang it.
Hey Pal,
First, I’m proud of you for writing as much as you do! It’s very cool indeed.
And I love the “quote series” your planning. Not only does it give you a set format that will be easy to pull off, it’s engaging and easy to read for your audience. Everyone loves quotes — and everyone loves short approachable blog posts every now and then!
That’s what you’re creating here.
As for your first quote, I love it. I’ve been a big believer in Phil Schlecty’s “Trailblazer” definition of teacher leaders in schools for a long while — and as a trailblazer myself, I OFTEN feel like I have an arrow in my back and mud in my face.
The trick, though, is that trailblazers aren’t always the best at bringing entire organizations forward. We’re too busy moving to wait for anyone else to come along with us.
The best organizations, then, are those that pair trailblazers together with pioneers — people who are interested in moving the entire organization forward. Clayton Christensen — in the Innovator’s DNA — calls this pairing people with strong discovery and delivery skills together. I call it pairing dreamers and doers with one another.
Rarely are dreamers good at the details and rarely are doers good at dreaming.
The lesson: Leading an organization is NEVER a solitary enterprise.
Anyway — hope you’re well!
Bill